Franklin (Pete) Kruger, 90, passed away surrounded by family on November 28, 2023 in Rice Lake, WI.

Pete was born on May 27th, 1933, on a farm near Ackley, Iowa to Andrew and Jenny Kruger.

He grew up working on the family farm raising animals and tending crops. After marrying his wife, Ethel, they raised a family living in various locations including California, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. In 1971, the family moved to Cameron where they farmed land purchased from Ethel’s parents. Pete loved working with animals and was an extremely hard worker, providing a strong role model for his children and those who knew him. In addition to being a farmer, Pete was a skilled craftsman and restored or built several buildings on the farm as well as a cabin that continues to serve as a focal point for many memorable events with family and friends. After retirement Pete enjoyed traveling, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. He became an avid archery hunter later in life which gave him the opportunity to spend many hours in the woods he truly loved. While he enjoyed the time spent as a “snowbird” exploring Arizona, Texas, and places in-between, his favorite place on earth was northern Wisconsin either on the home farm near Cameron or at the cabin he built near Gordon. Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara and Bill Hanley were life-long friends and frequent travel partners who shared many wonderful adventures with Pete and Ethel.

Many thanks for the love and support they provided over the years! Pete was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Pete is survived by his children Steven Kruger (Lori), Bradley Kruger (Sharon), and Roxanne Kruger; his grandchildren Sarah Kruger (Chase), Emily Kruger (Alex), and Megan Monahan; and his great grandchildren Madelyn, Brooks, and Granger. Pete is preceded in death by his wife Ethel (Buck) Kruger; parents Andrew and Jenny (Miller) Kruger; brothers Andrew, Jake, Herman, Roy, and Dick Kruger; and sisters Etta Janssen, Helen Deprenger, Agnes Pieper, Jennie Warschkow, Grace Roberson, and Mydena Kruger.

A private family celebration of life will be held. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements. A special thank you to the loving and caring support provided by the staffs at Vista Prairie at Brentwood and St. Croix Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Last Update: Nov 29, 2023 2:19 pm CST